I am not sure if this is my own personal bias but when I look around me, it feels like less and less people are willing to commit to romantic relationships. I see so many people stuck in "situationships" or talking about being reluctant to commit to someone else fully. I know people in committed relationships who start to question the commitment and wish they could return to being single. All this has got me thinking about what has caused this shift in societal attitudes towards commitment in relationships.

The first thing that comes to mind is how people's sense of individualism has evolved over the years. I feel that people now tend to value improving their own lives first before anything else, be it via personal growth, career advancement etc. Self-fulfilment is prioritized over getting a partner. There is also this narrative that committing to a relationship would limit pursuing personal aspirations as relationships would require compromise and sacrifice. 

Moreover, the rise of technology and social media has profoundly influenced how relationships are formed and maintained. The ease of connecting with others online has expanded the pool of potential partners but has also fostered a culture of instant gratification and disposable relationships. I've noticed that many people have adopted the thinking of 'the grass is always greener on the other side' due to the use of dating apps. The belief that the options are neverending and that the next best thing could be another swipe away makes people more reluctant to settle with what they currently have. 

Additionally, societal norms around marriage and family have shifted. Compared to my parents' generation where getting married and having kids was the norm, people nowadays are rejecting that norm. Commitment doesn't have to only come in the form of getting married and having a family as younger generations are now redefining it. Commitment can now mean staying single by choice or exploring non-traditional relationship types that prioritize personal autonomy and emotional fulfillment. 

Furthermore, economic factors play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards commitment. Most people, in general, would want financial stability before committing themselves to another person. Due to economic uncertainty, rising living costs etc., more people are focused on earning and saving money for themselves without wanting to worry about having a dependent. 

There is also this growing awareness of the challenges that come with committing to relationships that's further amplified by the internet as people share their issues and experiences on social media which might cause others to rethink whether they would be able to deal with the same issues. Many individuals are hesitant to enter into commitments they fear may not endure or meet their expectations, leading to a preference for casual or non-exclusive relationships that offer more flexibility and less emotional risk.

In conclusion, the reluctance to commit to relationships nowadays can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including changing social norms, economic considerations, technological influences, and evolving personal values. While traditional forms of commitment may be less prevalent, the desire for meaningful connections remains fundamental to human experience. I believe that societal attitudes will continue to evolve along with how individuals navigate the complexities of intimacy and commitment in relationships.